SUNY Old Westbury (State University of New York at Old Westbury)

SUNY Old Westbury, officially the State University of New York at Old Westbury, is a public university in Old Westbury, Nassau County, on Long Island. Part of the State University of New York system, the institution occupies a 604-acre campus of wooded grounds, academic buildings, residence halls and athletic facilities. Established in 1965 as an experimental college, it gained university status in 2023 and today combines a liberal arts foundation with undergraduate and graduate study in business, education, science, the humanities and professional fields.

The campus is a distinctive presence in the North Shore landscape. Students can study in a suburban setting while remaining connected to employers, cultural institutions and communities throughout Long Island and New York City. For prospective students and families, SUNY Old Westbury offers both the practical advantages of a regional public university and the experience of an established residential campus.

History: From an Experimental College to a University

SUNY Old Westbury traces its founding to 1965, when New York State leaders supported the creation of an experimental public college that would explore different approaches to higher education. Rather than simply reproduce an established campus model, the new institution placed considerable emphasis on participation, interdisciplinary study and the relationship between education and social issues. These ideas helped give Old Westbury an identity that differed from many conventional colleges of its era.

The institution first opened in 1968 at Planting Fields in Oyster Bay, before moving in 1971 to its present site in Old Westbury. Its early years were marked by debate and experimentation over academic structure and the roles of students, faculty and administrators. Over time, the institution developed a more established range of academic departments and degree programs while retaining a stated commitment to access, intercultural understanding and civic engagement.

A major milestone came in 2023, when the institution received university designation and adopted its present formal name, State University of New York at Old Westbury. Older publications and records may still use the former name SUNY College at Old Westbury. The change recognized its breadth of academic offerings, including graduate programs, rather than the creation of an entirely new school.

A 604-Acre Campus in Old Westbury

The university occupies approximately 604 acres in the Village of Old Westbury, an area of northern Nassau County associated with broad green spaces, wooded properties and historic estates. Academic buildings and campus facilities are set amid lawns, trees and internal roads, giving the university a different feel from a densely built urban campus. Its location also places it within reach of the commercial centers of Westbury and Hicksville and the wider network of North Shore communities.

The Student Union, pictured above, is one of the campus gathering places for student organizations, activities and everyday services. Other major facilities include classroom and laboratory spaces, a library, residence halls, dining areas, and the Clark Athletic Center. The wooded landscape is more than a backdrop: it contributes to the experience of studying and living on campus, and the university has promoted tree care and environmental stewardship as part of its institutional priorities.

Although the university has extensive grounds, it is an active educational campus rather than a general-purpose public park. Visitors should follow posted access, parking and building rules, particularly when classes are in session or when athletic events and other programs are taking place.

Academic Schools and Degree Programs

SUNY Old Westbury organizes its academic offerings through four schools: the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Education and School of Professional Studies. Together they provide pathways for students pursuing bachelor’s degrees, selected master’s degrees and professional preparation. Specific majors, admission standards and course availability can change, so students should consult the university’s current catalog when comparing programs.

The School of Arts and Sciences provides a broad liberal arts and scientific foundation. Fields represented in the university’s academic offerings include biology, chemistry, psychology, history, English, media and communications, visual arts, environmental studies, and politics, economics and law. These subjects support careers in many sectors as well as preparation for graduate or professional education.

Business-related study includes areas such as accounting and business administration, while education programs prepare students for teaching and related work in schools. Professional studies and graduate offerings provide additional options for students seeking career development or a new credential. Depending on the degree, learning may involve research projects, practical assignments, field experience or internships.

The university’s academic identity is closely associated with the idea that a public education should be both intellectually rigorous and relevant to the surrounding community. Its mission emphasizes critical thinking, civic engagement and intercultural understanding alongside preparation for employment and further study.

Admissions, Tuition and Financial Aid

Prospective students can explore SUNY Old Westbury through campus tours, admissions events and discussions with university staff. The institution enrolls first-year students, transfer students and graduate applicants, with requirements that vary by program. Families comparing schools should look beyond a published tuition figure to consider housing, meals, transportation, books, fees and the financial aid package available to an individual student.

As a public SUNY institution, Old Westbury participates in state and federal financial aid programs for eligible students. New York residency, enrollment status, academic progress and other factors may affect the actual cost of attendance. The university’s official campus-tour registration page is a useful starting point for arranging a visit and asking admissions staff about current application procedures.

Student Life, Housing and Campus Organizations

Campus life extends well beyond the classroom. Students participate in clubs, cultural organizations, student government, service projects, performances and other activities that help shape the university community. The Student Union provides space for students to meet, attend programs and connect with campus services, while the academic calendar brings lectures, exhibitions and special events throughout the year.

Residence halls allow students to live on campus, although a substantial part of the university’s student body also commutes from communities across Nassau County, Suffolk County and New York City. This mixture of residential and commuting students is an important feature of the institution: some students experience a full residential college routine, while others balance coursework with jobs, family responsibilities and travel from home.

The university’s diverse student community is also central to its identity. Through coursework, campus programming and student organizations, Old Westbury places emphasis on learning across different experiences and perspectives. The combination of a relatively contained campus and access to the larger metropolitan region can create opportunities for both close-knit campus involvement and off-campus professional experience.

Panthers Athletics and Recreation

SUNY Old Westbury athletic teams compete as the Panthers in NCAA Division III. The university fields intercollegiate teams in several sports, and the Clark Athletic Center serves as an important location for competition, fitness and recreation. Team schedules, facility hours and spectator arrangements vary by season and event.

Athletics add another dimension to campus life, bringing together students, families, alumni and visiting teams. For people who live nearby, scheduled games can also be an opportunity to experience the campus without attending an admissions program. Anyone planning to attend should confirm the game location and spectator details in advance, since facilities and parking arrangements may differ from those used for classroom visits.

Research, Service and Community Engagement

Research and creative work are part of the university’s educational mission. Students may work with faculty on projects in scientific, social, cultural and professional disciplines, with opportunities depending on their programs and the work underway in a particular semester. Presentations, performances and campus lectures can connect these academic activities with audiences beyond the classroom.

Community engagement has been an enduring theme in the institution’s history. Service activities and partnerships can give students practical experience while supporting organizations and communities beyond campus. The university’s 2026–2031 strategic plan identifies academic excellence, research, community engagement and sustainability among its continuing priorities, reflecting the connection between its original mission and its current direction.

Visiting SUNY Old Westbury

The university’s mailing address is 223 Store Hill Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568. The main campus entrance is on Route 107, also known as Cedar Swamp Road, north of Jericho Turnpike. Visitors should use current university directions rather than assume that the mailing address will lead to the correct gate or parking area. Campus tours are generally arranged in advance, and special events may use designated entrances or lots.

Visitors come to SUNY Old Westbury for prospective-student tours, academic conferences, performances, lectures, commencement activities and Panthers sporting events. Because university buildings and residential areas are not all open to the general public, it is best to confirm the purpose of the visit, check whether registration is required and follow signs or instructions from campus staff.

The official SUNY Old Westbury website provides current information about admissions, campus visits, events, academic programs and university contacts. It is also the best place to confirm policies that can change during the academic year, including visitor parking, accessibility arrangements and scheduled programs.

Transportation and Getting to Campus

SUNY Old Westbury is accessible from the Long Island Expressway and the Northern State Parkway, with Route 107 providing the principal approach to campus. Travel times vary significantly with traffic, particularly during weekday commuting periods. Drivers should check the campus entrance and designated parking location before setting out.

Travelers using the Long Island Rail Road can consider stations such as Hicksville or Westbury and arrange onward transportation. Local bus connections and campus shuttle arrangements may be available at particular times, but routes and schedules should be checked rather than assumed. A visitor who is unfamiliar with the campus may find it easier to plan the final leg of the journey in advance.

Nearby Communities and Places of Interest

The university’s setting makes it convenient for exploring Old Westbury and neighboring communities in central and northern Nassau County. The surrounding area includes historic estate landscapes, village centers, restaurants, shopping districts and cultural attractions. Old Westbury Gardens is among the best-known historic destinations in the immediate area, while nearby Westbury and Hicksville offer additional dining and transportation options.

For visitors planning a longer stay, the wider North Shore provides access to museums, preserved estates and waterfront communities, while central Nassau County offers parks and commercial districts. The university is also within driving distance of destinations elsewhere on Long Island, making it possible to combine a campus visit with other activities without treating the university itself as a tourist attraction.

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SUNY Old Westbury, Old Westbury, New York

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Key Facts & Details

Detail	Information
Official Name	State University of New York at Old Westbury
Common Name	SUNY Old Westbury
Institution Type	Public university in the State University of New York system
Founded	1965; opened to students in 1968
Current Campus	Established in Old Westbury in 1971
University Status	Achieved in 2023
Campus Size	Approximately 604 acres
Location	Old Westbury, Nassau County, New York
Mailing Address	223 Store Hill Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568
Main Campus Access	Route 107 (Cedar Swamp Road); follow current university directions
Academic Schools	Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Professional Studies
Degree Levels	Undergraduate and selected graduate programs
Athletics	SUNY Old Westbury Panthers; NCAA Division III
Campus Visits	Advance registration recommended; visitor and parking rules apply
Official Website	oldwestbury.edu

From its beginnings as an experimental public college to its current role as a university, SUNY Old Westbury has remained an important part of Nassau County higher education. Its wooded campus, range of academic programs, student organizations and regional connections give prospective students several ways to build an educational experience close to home or away from it. For families attending a tour, spectators visiting for a game, or residents interested in the university’s public programs, SUNY Old Westbury represents a longstanding link between Long Island’s academic, cultural and community life.